Available Backpacking Treks

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Backpacking Treks

The flagship of our High Adventure program is our treks. Camp Daniel Boone is nestled at the base of the famous Cold Mountain and surrounded by Shining Rock National Wilderness. Though our core treks take place within walking distance of base camp, we also have over a million acres of National Forest land and over half a million acres of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park available in Western North Carolina. With so many available options, troops will never have to do the same trip twice.

All treks are led by trained and experienced staff. Our guides stress instruction and practice in map and compass use, low-impact outdoor techniques, camping, cooking and leadership. Instruction and practice in first aid, nature, conservation, trail maintenance and local history can also be included. Parts of several merit badges may also be earned during the week.

All backpacking treks are designed around the patrol method. This helps facilitate a greater sense of group accomplishment as all challenges are faced from a group-centric perspective. Since open fires are not permitted in most wilderness areas, we use the “bake-packer” method of cooking (see your current BSA catalog for more information on the bake-packer). This method is simple, effective and has little cleanup. Additionally, we furnish trail snacks and lunches that require no cooking at all.

Please note that all trek ratings are relative to the difficulty of climbing the mountains of the Southern Appalachia. We ask that all participants take part in some form of conditioning prior to arrival to camp, as all trails at one point will have a strenuous climb. We recommend long day hikes with a weighted pack and/or weekend backpacking trips for your Troop’s springtime activities. Individual exercise routines also help significantly

Pre-Trek Conditioning

A Scout is prepared. Although we do not expect any of our participants to be expert outdoorsmen, we do ask that individuals take part in some form of conditioning prior to arrival as all trails will, at one point, have a strenuous climb. We recommend long day hikes with a weighted pack and/or weekend backpacking trips (Three 15 mile trips will satisfy req. 10 of Backpacking merit badge) as part of your troop's springtime activities. Individual exercise routines will also help significantly

Merit Badges that can be Earned on Trail

Please click on the merit badges for details on requirements that should be satisfied before camp.

Note: We do not recommend attempting more than 2 badges while on trail as each requires a significant amount of time to complete. Scouts will get more from their experience if they are allowed ample time for foot travel and exploration.